Genres

Visitors Review

Laura 2013-05-24 00:16:15

fantastic!!

I have never seen the old version of "Oklahoma" but I know a pretty goodbitabout it. I saw "Oklahoma" put on by a church in my town when I wasaboutsix, but I don't remember much about it.I really enjoyed this version, the British know how to do musicals! Ilovedhow they made Laurey a tomboy in the beginning to show us how strong andwillful she is. Josefina Gabrielle is like a younger, brunette ShirleyJones. She has a beautiful singing voice, she is a beautiful dancer, andagreat actress. Did I mention that she's beautiful? I really liked howtheactors did their own dancing in the Dream sequence.I thought Hugh Jackman was amazing. To think that this is the guy whoplaysWolverine!!!! This man is is an amazing actor. He's good-looking(very),he can sing, he can dance, and he can really act. He does a very goodsouthern accent. He's also a very believable romantichero.Jud was great. That voice...oh my gosh! Such a rich voice, it's like"Lonely Room" was written for him. And Aunt Eller....oh I looove AuntEller. She steals the show. She's perfect.I have nothing bad to say about this show. It's well-done. I just wishHollywood and Broadway could do more things like this. I got the DVD forChristmas, by the way.

2013-05-23 13:12:38

Oklahoma! OK and then some..

Saw the original. As good and even better. Wish this could be done for all the great Broadway shows of the past (and present).

2013-05-22 06:03:46

Excellent production

This review is from: Oklahoma! [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) I own this on DVD and will be buying it on Bluray. I knew it was a filmed stage play so kept that in mind when viewing it. I thought it was marvelous. I must admit that I am a HUGH fan of Hugh Jackman so might have been predisposed to like it, be that as it may, it is well worth watching and since I could not see it in the theater I am grateful that it was filmed so I could enjoy it. I wish they had filmed the original Camelot Broadway production that I was fortunate to see in 1962 and have never forgotten. More exceptional stage productions aught to be filmed so the rest of us can enjoy them too.

2013-05-21 21:36:18

Who knew?

This review is from: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (London Stage Revival) (DVD) Who knew Hugh Jackman was so remarkably talented? This is a top-notch production, in terms of both the performance in London and the production of the DVD, and Jackman is simply amazing! Wolverine has certainly hidden this guy's abundant musical talent. Not only does he sing well -- and it's well above Broadway average -- he's a great MUSICIAN, too. His breath control and phrasing is terrific.And he's not the only one. All the cast give stellar performances. You have to watch the bonus DVD, too, to see "the making of...". You'd never know the cast wasn't all-American. Aunt Eller and Laurie are Brits, Jackman is an Aussie -- and you'd swear they're all country folk from Oklahoma. The dream ballet sequence in the middle is unique in that Jackman and his co-star Josefina Gabrielle (Laurie) do their own dancing. (again, who knew?) The producers got special permission to expand the music for the ballet and it's simply wonderful.The cowboy dancers are astonishingly good -- they throw in some rope tricks for good measure.You'll be pleased with this DVD in every respect!

spottedreptile 2013-05-21 17:37:08

Good for the memories, if not the magic of the stage

The filming of Trevor Nunn's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein'sOklahoma! took place during the move from the Royal National Theatre to theLyceum Theatre in January 1999. The action was shot at the SheppertonStudios and directors Trevor Nunn and Chris Hunt have tried their hardesttogive the tv film the feel of the live performance that so enchanted Londonaudiences during the show's first run at RNT, while also using close-ups toprovide extra emotional insights on characters.Unfortunately it proves a near-impossible task. While lighting, sound andvision are technically first-rate, considering the time limits imposed uponthe crews (18 days of shooting time!), overall the film never delivers theexcitement and raw energy of the stage production, and to be honest, itshould never have tried to. It feels artificial and looks second-best. Theaudience reaction shots are intrusive and irritating instead of convincing,and who allowed them to turn up in t-shirts and jeans? It's obvious they'reonly there for the filming, and the camera should have left them in thedarkand concentrated on the action onstage.The problem lies in the fact that the tv audience is watching a screen, nota stage. It's ambitious to try and capture a stage atmosphere withouthampering the natural movement of camera and lens inherent in film, and theproduction ends up trying to please two different masters. The concept isatfault, rather than the performances. Everybody tries hard, the principalslook and sound great, and the musical numbers are infectious enough toovercome some of the flatness produced by pre-recorded songs and the factthat this is not a live event. Josefina Gabrielle shines as a very humanLaurie, with charm and innocence that doesn't cloy. Hugh Jackman's Curly isbest during his serious moments, if a tad too folksy at other times, but hedoes prove that sex appeal, musical talent and masculinity are not mutuallyexclusive. Maureen Lipman is the best of the lot as a very dry and funnyAunt Ella, well supported by Jimmy Johnston as Will and Shuler Hensley asthe dangerous Judd.In summary, this is an adaptation that does not measure up to the magic ofthe original stage production, but is still worth it for thememories.

2013-05-21 09:13:46

That's Entertainment!

Saw this on PBS, could not wait to have it for my own. At the time, I didn't know who Hugh Jackman was, now I look for him in other movies.

2013-05-18 17:18:41

Oh, What a Beautiful Production!

I love Oklahoma! I watched a stage production as a child and loved the move verson. I picked up this DVD because of Hugh Jackman and loved every min. The stage (props and set) were very inventive and the music and dance were great. The Ballet was great because the actors didn't have dance doubles and they were great. I highly recomend this DVD and the soundtrack. I just wish the 2nd DVD had more behind the scenes footage and cast interviews.

jh-33 2013-05-18 07:28:25

A total delight!

As exuberant and wonderful as Kenneth Branagh's 1993 "Much Ado AboutNothing", this amazing production deserves a "15"; alas, I can only giveita "10". Hugh Jackman is a revelation, leaping into the film with cheerfulhigh energy from his first appearance on the set. A must-see for lovers ofmusicals and for all others too. A sure cure for depression!

kechelsen 2013-05-17 18:46:16

Delightful! Wonderful performance by Hugh Jackman

As an American, I grew up loving the musicals of Rogers and Hammerstein.Since I was way too young to see the original stage productions, myexperiences have been through the film versions, such as Oklahoma, SouthPacific and The Sound of Music. On a recent visit to London, I purchasedthis video, which had been recommended to me by a British friend. It waswonderful!!! I was captivated by this production in a way I wasn't withthefilm version.The entire cast is to be commended for their vivid portrayals of theircharacters. Josefina Gabrielle, as Laurie, gave me a new view of thecharacter as a tomboy, something that wasn't brought out in the film.Schuler Hensley brought to the character of Jud Fry a deeper insight intohis dark and menacing nature. And I loved Jimmy Johnston's portrayal ofWill Parker. But it was Hugh Jackman's performance as Curly, that reallywon me over. He brought vividly to life Curly's boyish charm and his cockyself-assuredness. And his singing voice!!! I had heard Mr. Jackman was anaccomplished singer, but I was not prepared for the exceptional quality ofhis voice. Mr. Jackman is one of the best musical theatre singers I haveheard in the last couple of years. After watching this performance, Ithought to myself that he would be wonderful in any of the other RogersandHammerstein musicals, such as Carousel. I think he'd make an excellentBilly Bigelow.Unfortunately, this video isn't available to the American public unlessyouown a multi system video player. I hope this will soon change, because itis definitely something any fan of Rogers and Hammerstein should not miss.It is an excellent new production, and had me humming the title song fordays after watching it!

2013-05-17 07:28:45

A Oklahoman says....WOW!!

I have seen many, many, many productions of "Oklahoma" over the last fifteen years. If you live in this state, it's pretty much a given that if one of your younger relatives (or a close friend's relative) has any musical talent at all, they will appear in a junior high or high school production of this musical. I've also enjoyed the summer performance at Discoveryland, which is the official "National Home" of the musical. And, of course, the 1955 film with Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae has been an often-watched favorite on my VHS/DVD shelf for many years.Frankly, I bought this DVD for one reason--I was curious to hear if Hugh Jackman could sing. Let's face it--he's gorgeous to watch (and my husband gets jealous every time I say that, LOL), but I had a great deal of trouble imagining him in this rough-and-tumble cowboy role. In fact, the thought of "Oklahoma" on the London stage was a concept I had trouble accepting intellectually.Boy, was I wrong.... :)I agree 100% with Mary Rodgers. If you only have the chance to see one performance of "Oklahoma" in your lifetime, THIS is the one to see.Shuler Hensley is magnificent as Jud Fry, and well deserving of all the awards he received. Jimmy Johnson and Vicki Simon make a delightful pair as Will Parker and the "I can't say no" Ado Annie. Maureen Lipman provides the heart of the family with her performance as Aunt Eller.But Jackman and Josefina Gabrielle...well, there are no words. They weren't the typical clean-and-polished Curly and Laurey that we're so used to seeing. Laurey was barefoot and wearing pants! Curly *looked* like a cowhand who had just come off the range. They were...well, real. Genuine. Laurey had doubts about marrying a cowboy; Curly had doubts about giving up his life in the saddle and settling down as a farmer. Curly was *nervous* when he stumbled through his proposal...and Laurey *still* had doubts about accepting.Again, the only word that comes to mind...real. Human. True human emotions. And, amazingly, not a British/Australian accent anywhere to mar the perfection.Oh, and did I mention that Hugh Jackman was gorgeous?? :)Yes, some of the set changes are a bit confusing when they cut in the audience reactions. But I was so caught up with the presentation that the distraction was a minor inconvenience at worst.If you're trying to make a choice between this version and the 1955 movie...get both. But get this one first :)Yes...Hugh Jackman can most definitely sing. And did I mention that he's...well, you get the idea :)

Gill 2013-05-15 23:18:45

Brilliant

I have only just found this website and this thread so I would like topost my comments about the National Theatre's production of Oklahoma. I was lucky enough to go to the show at the NT and was absolutelyentranced by it all. As most people have said Hugh Jackman was arevelation. I saw the show before he became famous as Wolverine so hadno preconceptions about him. I am so glad that he has done so well.Maureen Lipman was terrific as Aunt Eller. When the video was shot Iunderstand she was suffering from an abcess on her tooth but you wouldhave never known.Must watch the video again.

2013-05-15 16:12:23

Anything with High Jackman rates a 10...

This review is from: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (London Stage Revival) (DVD) Love it much more than the original film. Didn't kno he could sing until this...in fact didn't overly care for OKLAHOMA until this one.

2013-05-15 16:37:58

Excellent Oklahoma!

This review is from: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (London Stage Revival) (DVD) The actors in this play are all above average as is the singing. Hugh Jackman is a multi-talented actor whose talents are well showcased in this version of Oklahoma. It makes for a very enjoyable evening watching a "play" on your TV. The "making of" DVD is also worth watching. I loved it.

2013-05-15 10:46:22

Perfection !!!

I ran to buy this DVD, after I saw Hugh Jackman's AMAZING performance in "The Boy From Oz".Couldn't wait to see it and I surely wasn't disappointed, of course ! It's absolutely superb production !I loved everything about it !Hugh and Shuler are simply brilliant.For me, it was so much better, than the 1955 film version, the chemistry between Curly and Laurie is electrifying here ! I grew up on the classical Hollywood musicals and so happy, that after I saw The Boy From Oz, Oklahoma! and Chicago, I beleive that musicals are back, big time !Hughly, oh excuse me...highly recommended

2013-05-14 05:45:22

Greatest Version of Oklahoma Ever!!!

This review is from: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (London Stage Revival) (DVD) This movie is phenomenal! Hugh Jackman does such a great job. He is the best Curly to ever take the stage, and this movie is a definate buy for a Jackman Junkie or fans of Musicals. The talent that comes from this film is incredible. It is easily the greatest version of Oklahome ever!

2013-05-13 12:35:04

Absolutely Wonderful

I loved the stage production of Oklahoma, especially with Hugh Jackman as Curly. I have had the songs stuck in my head for days and I just want to watch it again and again

2013-05-13 12:27:49

Bad Disc

The disc was bad. We ran it through three different machines and it performed badly each time. The sound was scratchy and inaudible and the picture was digitally disruptive.

Robz-Da 2013-05-13 02:41:10

I never thought that I'd be saying this, but I quite enjoyed this adaption of OKLAHOMA!

OKLAHOMA! I was never, ever keen on musicals (unless they contain real gritlike The Blues Brothers, Blues Brothers 2000, or Grease), but Hugh Jackmanis brilliant, along with the rest of the cast! Great Viewing for Rodgers andHammerstein' fans, and very enjoyable!

Myra 2013-05-08 23:09:26

2 thumps up! Way up!

The movie is wonderful! Hugh was incredible in this movie. He sing and dance awesome!! If u are a broadway fanatic you love this movie.

2013-05-08 09:43:19

Americana

Did you really expect Londoners to react properly when this most homespun of American classics is scaled by Aussies and Brits? In this two-disc DVD of Trevor Nunn's acclaimed production, nobody laughs. We see people enter the theatre, smile in their seats and occasionally applaud. But nobody even coughs. That's because this "Oklahoma!" was mostly performed in an empty house, allowing for close-ups and other filmic touches, and the illusion of a performance before a live audience deliberately created. That deception and some inept lip-syncing slightly mar an otherwise engaging record of a landmark revival.Nunn and choreographer Susan Stroman have restored the usual cuts, enhanced the orchestration, reimagined the staging, and have cast actors who can each sing, dance and actually act. As a result, the familiar characters seem fresher and their lives more pertinent. With the exception of Maureen Lipman, in a grandly understated turn as Aunt Eller, the men come off best. Jimmy Johnston is an agile rope-tricking Will, Shuler Hensley is a compelling Jud, and an eye-twinkling, curly-haired, handsome Hugh Jackman is an appealing Curley, propelling the production on his broad and (in Act 2) shirtless shoulders.So complete is the transformation that when hunky Curley and tomboy Laurey (Josefina Gabrielle) dance effortlessly into the dream ballet we don't even blink. These roles always are taken by dancers, but here the ruse is unnecessary given the triple-threat casting coup. Their duet and its reprise, "People Will Say We're in Love," are beautifully sung, full of nuances. Although we are aware that we're watching a stage musical, there is nothing stagy to detract us. Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones, eat your hearts out.